Bill No. 2103 aims to enhance the integrity and transparency of the Judicial Nominating Commission in Oklahoma. It introduces a new provision that mandates members of the Commission to recuse themselves from decision-making if they are related to an applicant within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity. If a member fails to comply with this recusal requirement, they will be removed from the Commission and permanently barred from future appointments. Additionally, the bill requires Commission members to disclose any campaign contributions made to applicants within ten days of receiving the final list of applications. This disclosure must be documented on a form prescribed by the Administrative Director of the Courts and made publicly accessible on the Commission's website.
Furthermore, the bill specifies that the address recorded by the State Election Board will be used to determine the residency of Oklahoma Bar Association members eligible for the Judicial Nominating Commission. This provision aims to clarify eligibility criteria for potential members. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, following its passage in the House of Representatives on March 12, 2025.